WDLAC Board

The WDLAC board meet quarterly in Perth and on Martu country. The make-up of the board is divided into representatives from different parts of Martu country. This means there are representative from Karlamyingurrara country, Ngayunanalku country, Pilakaja country, Piyijikarli country, Rirrakaja country and Walakaja country. A quorum of our board requires at least one member from these sub-groups. All other major decisions that do not affect native title rights and interests require consensus of the board.

Melvin Farmer - Chairperson

Alistair Sammy - Deputy Chairperson

Alistair’s area is Karlamyingurrara and his two language groups are Warnman and Kartujarra. Alistair is all about Martu land, culture, and identity, and strives to do whatever he can to protect the connection between Martu families and their Country.

Gillian Dodd - Director

Gillian is from Ngayunanalku and speaks Putijarra. She is honoured to be a Director on the WDLAC Board. Gillian wants to help make the right decisions for the future of all Martu People. She also wants to encourage young people to recognise their importance as they are the future leaders.

Kennedy Finlay - Casual Director

Kennedy is a Pilakaja elder, his language is Manyjilyjarra. He is a husband, father and grandfather who enjoys hunting, fishing and being on his Country. He strongly believes that law is his training ground, and it is an important responsibility to teach and share wisdom and knowledge with the next generation of Martu.

Angus Robinson - Casual Director

Angus is from the Rirrakaja area and speaks Manyjilyjarra. He wants to share his knowledge and the wisdom passed down from the Elders and family, to the next generation of Martu people throughout the Western Desert. This is what will keep our people and culture strong into the future.

Tony McRae- CEO

Tony McRae is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WDLAC, the PBC for the Martu people. He ensures that the decisions of the WDLAC Board are implemented, the organisation observes its legal responsibilities, and that it meets its obligations under agreements entered into with other parties.

The Honourable Tom Stephens OAM JP BA GAICD - Independent Director

Tom Stephens is a Director with a number of Boards including IBN, MG, DSF-Speld and Lost and Found Opera. Prior to his election to the WA State Parliament in 1982, Tom worked closely with Aboriginal people across the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, taking a key role in advancing the social, legal and political rights of Aboriginal people, and in establishing the Kimberley Land Council in May 1978.

In all of Tom's parliamentary service - as Cabinet Minister, Committee Member or local parliamentarian - Tom maintained a priority focus on Aboriginal issues, particularly education reform and native title arrangements

Raelene Webb QC AICD BSc (Hons), LLB - Independent Director

Raelene Webb QC is a barrister practising at Murray Chambers (WA). She is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and on its Education Faculty, facilitating training for company directors in the Board's Legal Environment and Directors' Duties and Responsibilities. Raelene is committed to good governance at all levels and has a sound background in financial and business management.

She is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Law. She was awarded the Law Council of Australia Presidents' Medal in 2014, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the legal profession in Australia